The Las Vegas Aces struggled in the late stages of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, squandering a significant 17-point lead in the final quarter, leading to a nail-biting finish with just five seconds left on the clock.
Despite the tense situation, there was no sense of panic. The team found reassurance in having A’ja Wilson, a four-time MVP, on their side, especially in critical moments.
Wilson delivered a game-winning turnaround jumper with only 0.3 seconds remaining, concluding an impressive performance with 34 points and 14 rebounds, propelling the Aces to a narrow 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
Coach Becky Hammon expressed confidence in entrusting Wilson with the final shot, emphasizing a straightforward approach of giving her the ball and letting her work her magic without unnecessary complications.
The Aces now stand just one win away from securing their third championship in four seasons, with Game 4 scheduled for Friday in Phoenix.
Although Las Vegas held a seemingly comfortable 76-59 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Mercury mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to 84-83 with 3:06 remaining and eventually tying the game at 88-all.
Wilson’s clutch shot in the dying seconds sealed the victory for the Aces, as she calmly executed a play drawn up by Hammon, showcasing her trust in the star player during critical playoff moments.
The Mercury had one final opportunity to equalize, but Bonner’s last-second attempt fell short, securing the win for Las Vegas.
Wilson continued her stellar postseason form, recording 11-of-20 shooting from the field along with four assists, maintaining an average of over 26 points per game across 11 playoff appearances. Jackie Young contributed 21 points to the victory.
Setting a new WNBA postseason milestone, Wilson’s 291 total points over 11 games underscored her dominant presence on the court.
Las Vegas took a 2-0 series lead by winning the first two games at home, but the Mercury aimed to rally with the support of their enthusiastic fans in Game 3. However, the Aces thrived in the hostile environment, displaying the composure of a seasoned team accustomed to high-pressure scenarios.
Bonner led the Mercury with 25 points, supported by Sabally’s 24 points, while Copper’s 17 points, including 11 in the final quarter, added to the team’s offensive efforts. Thomas neared a triple-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
During the game, Sabally exited in the fourth quarter due to an injury, with her condition pending updates following medical assessment.
Las Vegas established an early lead with a commanding 21-8 advantage, courtesy of a 17-0 run in the first quarter, maintaining control throughout the match. Loyd’s remarkable three-point shooting off the bench bolstered the Aces’ offensive output.
Despite a brief comeback by the Mercury, Las Vegas held firm to secure a 55-43 halftime lead, capitalizing on efficient three-point shooting, particularly from Loyd and Evans off the bench.
Reflecting on the defensive performance, Mercury coach Tibbetts acknowledged the need for improvement following successive high-scoring games against the Aces. Despite the loss, Tibbetts commended his team’s resilience and character in the face of adversity.
As the series progresses, both teams are gearing up for the crucial Game 4 showdown, with the Aces looking to clinch the championship on Phoenix’s home turf.
